Formed in 1929 "for the purpose of furthering the interests of outstanding American Band Masters, and of interesting composers, arrangers, and music publishers in Wind Band music," the
American Bandmasters Association (ABA) continues to champion the causes of American bands and bandmasters today. Its members' accomplishments include the election of John Philip Sousa to the Hall of Fame of Great Americans, the publication of the Journal of Band Research, and the establishment of several awards and prizes, including the Ostwald Band Composition Contest and the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation. The collection consists of publications, including the Journal of Band Research and the ABA Newsletter; correspondence; conference materials and programs; meeting minutes; committee reports; financial and administrative records; oral histories; directories and membership lists; photographs, memorabilia, and recordings. Specific documentation can be found on the ABA Research Center, the ABA Ostwald Award, the Board of Directors, officers, committees and annual conferences.